Answer for question E-000292/24

EN E-000292/2024 Answer given by Mr Sinkevičius on behalf of the European Commission (11.3.2024) The Commission has no specific information about the project referred to by the Honourable Member, which would be located outside the Natura 2000 site IT9210265. According to Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive1, any plan or project that is likely to have a significant impact on a Natura 2000 site, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, must be subject to an assessment of its impacts in view of the site's conservation objectives. In the light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implications for the site, the competent national authorities shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned and, if appropriate, after having obtained the opinion of the general public. The Commission published several guidance documents to help Member States’ authorities implement the above-mentioned provisions2. Italy has transposed these provisions in its national legislation3 and, in 2019, adopted tailored national guidelines to facilitate and ensure their consistent implementation across its regions4. The Region of Basilicata has also adopted relevant and up-to-date rules transposing the above provisions and guidelines5. Without prejudice to the Commission’s role as guardian of the Treaties, Member States’ authorities are primarily responsible to ensure compliance with...